gmt psychology

New Telehealth Services

As of 1st September 2018, all Australians living in rural and remote locations can access counselling from any registered psychologist in Australia via videoconference. This applies to 100% of all eligible sessions, with no face-to-face obligations required, as was the case in 2017 when this service was first introduced. All other conditions apply for usual face-to-face sessions with a psychologist, including the need for a mental health care plan referral from your GP, if either bulk billing or a Medicare rebate is required.

GMT Psychology - Telehealth Service

This videoconferencing service attracts a standard fee although a discounted rate may be considered in circumstances of financial hardship.

First you need to organise a mental health care plan with your GP. Please nominate Peter Trask as your psychologist, with address details attached on this site.

Your GP is also free to email this referral to us directly as per email addresses on this site. Alternatively, they can use the secure messaging software of Medical Objects if that is something their practice uses. We will then ring you if we have not heard from you in the meantime.

Call us or email us once you have this referral and a Skype session can be scheduled at a time that suits you. Other documentation related to this scheduled session can then be emailed to you as required. We also
need to ensure that appropriate processes are in place to safeguard your confidentiality through these sessions so that is something we shall aim to set up and secure in advance.

These videoconference sessiosn can be arranged on any day of the week and week-ends, and outside usual business hours, by negotiation.

All other processes, protocols and ethics apply, as if in a face-to-face session, although email may be required to exchange documents, when these might ordinarily be done in person.

Again, please feel free to call or email us if you have further questions. Otherwise, I look forward to meeting you online soon, and starting our therapy journey together.

Important Technical Considerations

You will need a robust Internet connection to facilitate this videoconference, over such services as Skype or Facebook messenger.

You will need adequate data allowance on your Internet plan, as videoconferencing, like Netflix, iView on the ABC, etc, uses lots of data, else you could be liable for excess data charges. Check your Internet service provider
if you are not sure.

You will need to load the free Skype software on your Internet enabled device (usually a computer or tablet) and be familiar with how to use this application to connect for the videoconference session. This is the software I shall be using with my clients, as per details below.

In the event you cannot access an appropriate Internet service from home, it is quite possible that instead you may be able to access this same service from your GP's clinic, or maybe your local public hospital. If that may be necessary, discuss with your GP or their administration staff at your local medical clinic.